School launches memorial award in honour of Jo Cox

The former school of Jo Cox has launched an award in memory of the much-loved MP.

Heckmondwike Grammar School presented the inaugural Jo Cox Memorial Award - named in honour of the former head girl.

The award will be given annually at the junior prizegiving ceremony at the end of the summer term, to a student in years seven to ten who has shown selflessness in giving service to the community.

A similar award will be presented at the senior prizegiving event which occurs around Christmas time.

Outgoing headteacher Mike Cook said: “The Jo Cox award was created following a donation from a lady who lives in the Midlands, who has no connection with the school but was moved after Jo’s tragic death to send a donation.

“She sent it in the hope that the school could use it in some way to promote and encourage Jo’s values.”

The winner of the first award, Zainab Rekhad, was presented with a specially-commissioned trophy, a certificate and a voucher.

The school will keep a roll of honour listing recipients.

Mr Cook added: “Students are inspired by Jo’s example and her dedication to promoting unity.

“That is why they and the staff between them bought a thousand small white rose tributes to wear in recent days, specifically as an emblem of unity in her name.

“These were made by two members of the admin team, Mrs Foster and Mrs Smith, and sold quickly.”